Strangely enough, a stylish and beautiful zombie film

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2009)

28 Days Later is not based on a stunningly original premise. A virus breaks out, it turns people into bloodthirsty "zombies", and we quickly have an end-of-the-world scenario on our hands. A band of survivors must go on a dangerous road trip, hoping to find salvation. Anyone who has watched a few horror or sci-fi movies has certainly seen something similar.
However, what sets this movie apart is the brilliant direction of Danny Boyle and absolutely amazing cinematography and camera work. The lighting of every scene is beautifully considered. There isn't one amateurish shot that breaks the dark, somber mood of the film. The camera is almost always put at an unexpected angle or in an unusual position, making even the most mundane scene seem special. Every filming location is perfectly considered, from inner-city London to the British countryside. Even the eccentric soundtrack helps to accent this wonderfully atmospheric film.
The characters and plot are fairly simplistic, but they work well here. Some overarching themes of mankind's need for hope and humanity's dark nature are explored, which does help to add a little meat to the rather basic story. It's strange to say, but this is an artistic and thoughtful zombie film. Horror fans expecting the traditional cheap tactics (gore, female nudity, jump scares, etc...) should avoid at all costs. This is a stylish horror film that transcends the genre to become a modern classic.